Dog Bites Can Be Prevented

Related Articles

Every year, approximately 4.7 million people in the US are bitten by dogs, with children between the ages of five and nine the most likely to be bitten. Seventy percent of fatal dog bite cases involve children.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is April 7-13, 2019.

The good news is that dog bites can be prevented. Whether you own a dog or have children, here are some tips to help keep everyone safer.

Keep Your Children Safe

Teach your children basic dog safety:

Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one who’s tethered or confined behind a fence or in a car.

Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

Do not tease or chase any dog.

Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

Ask permission from the owner before petting a dog.

Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.

Never turn your back and run away from a dog. Don't scream.

Be Still Like A Tree: Trees are boring to dogs. When approached by an unfamiliar dog, remain motionless with your hands at your sides or folded in front of you. Moving your hands above your head encourages the dog to jump. Do not make eye contact with the dog. If you believe a dog is about to lunge at you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.

If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball and protect your face with your hands.

If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

Tips for Dog Owners

Dogs who spend a lot of time alone or chained up can become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized, well-trained, and supervised are more likely to interact safely with adults and children. To help prevent dog bites, interact with dogs respectfully, and provide them with appropriate training and socialization opportunities.

Dogs with a history of aggression are generally not appropriate for households with children.

Use caution when bringing a dog or puppy into the home of an infant or toddler. Never, ever leave infants or young children alone with any dog. Read our tips about introducing a pet to a baby.

If your child seems fearful or apprehensive about having a dog, it is probably wise to delay bringing one into your home.

Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to roam, which may decrease the possibility of unsafe interactions.

If Your Dog Does Bite, Take Responsible Actions

Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog’s last rabies vaccination. Without a current rabies vaccination on record, your dog likely faces a quarantine.

Cooperate with the animal control official. Strictly follow any quarantine requirements.

Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer. Your community animal control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services.

Updated: 2019-03-26 07:00:00

Sources: CDC, AVMA

The American Veterinary Medical Association, the US Postal Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, the Insurance Information Institute and Prevent the Bite cosponsor National Dog Bite Prevention Week®.